Cosh to run KSU defense

In other words, Cosh will assume full control of Kansas State's defense following the departure of Vic Koenning. The two coaches shared the DC title this season.

Koenning was named defensive coordinator at Illinois on Friday, leaving Snyder with a position to fill on his defensive staff. Snyder said he is close to hiring a secondary coach to replace Koenning, who directed K-State's defensive backs in addition to coordinating the defense.

"We'll hire a secondary coach," Snyder said Monday following an awards presentation for senior tight end Jeron Mastrud. "That will take place here pretty quick."

Could that new secondary coach be former Kansas defensive coordinator Clint Bowen? Snyder didn't say, but Bowen reportedly interviewed last week for a spot on the K-State staff after he wasn't retained by new KU coach Turner Gill.

Bowen, a Lawrence native, spent nine years at KU, including the past two as defensive coordinator. He also was a central figure in KU's recruiting efforts in Kansas and the Kansas City area, securing a commitment from Blue Springs, Mo., wide receiver Keeston Terry for the 2010 class.

A message left at Bowen's Lawrence home wasn't returned Monday.

K-State jumped 77 spots in the total defense rankings with Koenning and Cosh at the helm, improving from 117th nationally in 2008 to 40th in 2009. The Wildcats ran Koenning's 4-2-5 scheme, but Snyder said Cosh was equally responsible for the improvement.

"All of the defensive coaches did quite well," Snyder said. "We were improved defensively collectively. Defense against the run was where we made the most progress, and that's coach Cosh's bailiwick. I think both of them have really done extremely well."

Snyder, like most Wildcat fans, wasn't stunned by Koenning's departure.

"He and Chris both have been here for the entire year without their families," Snyder said. "That's tough, being away from your children, being away from your family. For some solidarity in your family, it was obvious after a short period of time that it wasn't going to work out here."

Mastrud honored

Mastrud was the recipient of the fifth annual Awards and Recognition Association sportsmanship award, a national honor given to the college senior who best exemplifies sportsmanship on and off the field.

"To be recognized for your work on and off the field is a big honor," he said.

Mastrud earned second-team academic All-America honors the past two seasons and posted a 3.81 GPA. He graduated in December with a degree in business management. He also was a first-team all-Big 12 selection on the field as a senior.

Mastrud was on crutches at the awards ceremony following foot surgery. He said he will start preparing for the NFL draft once his rehab is complete.

"Once he gets rehabbed, he'll begin his training and work out and see where the draft takes him and what kind of opportunities he'll have," Snyder said. "I think he'll certainly have those. When the time presents itself, he'll go into business, and he'll be highly successful at that, too."

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